Brisbane Airport Corporation Pty Ltd (BAC) is thrilled to welcome today’s announcement by Emirates Airlines that the carrier will add an Airbus A380 on the Dubai – Brisbane - Auckland route from 2 October 2013.

The introduction of the Airbus A380 on Emirates’ daily flights between Dubai – Brisbane - Auckland will increase capacity by nearly 3700 seats per week. The route is currently serviced by the Boeing 777-300ER.

BAC CEO and Managing Director Julieanne Alroe said Emirates’ decision to commit its flagship Airbus A380 to Brisbane was a clear indication of the airline’s commitment to Queensland.

“BAC has worked closely with Emirates to bring a regular A380 service to Brisbane to meet both the demand and expectations of Queensland travellers and we are beyond delighted Emirates is the first international airline to make this commitment.

“Emirates has been operating services between Dubai and Brisbane since October 2003. In 2004 Emirates chose Brisbane Airport as the location for its first First and Business Class Lounge outside Dubai. In 2008, the airline upgraded its Brisbane facilities with a new lounge at the Brisbane International Terminal specifically designed to link directly to the upper and lower decks of the A 380,” said Ms Alroe.

The Emirates A380 is set in a three-class configuration, with 399 seats in Economy Class on the lower level and 76 fully flat-bed, mini-pods in Business Class as well as 14 First Class Private Suites on the upper level. Passengers in the First Class cabin can freshen up in one of two on-board Shower Spas before joining fellow premium class travellers in the On-Board Lounge for complimentary beverages and canapés.

Brisbane Airport was also the first airport in Australia to receive an Airbus A380 when, on 5 November 2005, the A380 demonstrator aircraft landed at BNE as part of its Australian tour to take part in Qantas’ 85th birthday celebrations.

Ms Alroe said Brisbane Airport was committed to working with domestic and international carriers to bring new services to Brisbane.

“Brisbane enjoys significant off-peak growth capacity and we are determined to ensure that through our close partnerships with airlines and tourism marketing agencies we will bring more services to Brisbane to lift the travel options available to our local communities, and drive visitation to our State’s tourism destinations.

Brisbane Airport is currently serviced by 27 airlines flying to 43 national and 29 international destinations.